It was difficult to choose only five values out of the large list. I think the values I selected have a close connection to those of the Air Force. It is clear that there are similarities between these two values. My top five personal qualities were: Empathy, Fun, Happiness, and Optimism. These three values, while being individually significant, can also be combined.
The core value, “Excellence in All We Do”, reflects my own value to be the best. No matter whether I’m on duty or not, I always strive to be the best. I’ve always strived to be the best at what I do. It doesn’t matter whether I am sweeping a room or driving a firetruck, I always try to do the best job possible. It was important to me that I am competent and knowledgeable at my job. It not only gives me pride, but it also makes me feel good that people trust me and can rely on me to do any job I’m given. Integrity is also a core Air Force value that can be related to the concept of being the best. Integrity plays a crucial role in defining a person, and it is impossible to be the very best without this quality. Absolute no! The “moral compass”, and the basis of the Air Force’s trust imperative, is this.
Empathy is the ability and willingness to understand, share, and relate with another person’s emotions. It is closely related to the core value of putting “Service Before Self”. In making decisions, I never make them with selfish motives. Instead, I consider the feelings of those I might affect. Considered one of many of my best qualities, I value empathy. Respect and kindness are shown when you consider another’s feelings. To work together more effectively as a team, we all need some empathy. We wouldn’t have the ability to put our subordinates and peers before our own comfort or needs without empathy. It is essential to achieving the virtues of a selfless commitment to duty in all circumstances and at any time.
These three values are interconnected and can be combined. Each of them is important, yet they also play a role in the other two. Fun is my first value. I find it important to be entertained in order to stay motivated. My opinion is that I have a difficult time focusing or learning if I do not enjoy myself. It’s important that I know when the right time is to have a good time and when the right time is to be serious. Then I’ll have to question the core value that “Integrity Comes First”, since integrity isn’t something you can just put on and take off. As an Airman, I am expected to maintain professionalism both on and away from duty.
While I enjoy myself, I usually feel very happy. Happiness and the sense of joy are values I hold dear. My passion for my job increases when I’m happy. It promotes the correct mindset for me and helps me get up every morning to tackle any obstacles I face effectively. The core value, “Service Before Self”, allows me maintain a strong connection with the Air Force. We place our trust on the processes, procedures, other Airmen and their ability to complete tasks in an efficient and effective manner. My last value is optimism, which is based on fun and happiness. It is the tendency of looking at things more positively. I am more resilient and able to achieve great things when I have optimism. I also create a positive atmosphere that inspires others and increases productivity. Without it, we would be in a world of negativity. We’d live a life full of failures. That isn’t demonstrating our core value: “Excellence in All We Do”.
The Air Force core values, such as being the very best, having empathy, enjoying life, and being optimistic, can easily be aligned with my values. It is easy to align both values because they are so similar. Particularly between “Excellence in All We Do”. Sometimes they will conflict, but if I am to be successful in my profession of arms and service, then it is important that I remember this. It is important that I put the Air Force’s values first. The highest ideals are sacrifice and service to others.